Portable makeup portfolio

ABSTRACT

A portable cosmetics case generally comprising two identical tray-shaped elongate containers that are hinged together along one of their elongate sides in a clam-shell arrangement. A plurality of rectangular plates for receiving and storing therein cosmetics applicators and/or cosmetics containers, are sized to fit within and to demountably engage each of the elongate tray-shaped containers. The rectangular plates may be configured to demountably receive and store a plurality of cosmetics applicators exemplified by brushes and sponge-tipped applicators. The rectangular plates may be provided with one or more pouches to receive and store a plurality of cosmetics containers. A foldable support plate may be provided for supporting a rectangular plate during use.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to portable cases for containing therein cosmetics containers and cosmetics applicators.

BACKGROUND

The entertainment and fashion industries rely on professional makeup artists to apply a wide variety of cosmetics to the skin of human subjects to enhance the subjects' appearances. Examples of professional makeup artists work include applications of cosmetics to individuals appearing in movies, video, television broadcasts, theatre, fashion photography and live fashion presentations, commercial still photography, and special occasions such as weddings.

Most of professional makeup artists do their work “onsite” just prior to the individual's participation in a performance or a photo shoot. Consequently, a professional makeup artist must organize and transport the tools of their trade, i.e., selected cosmetics and selected applicators, to each job site. Consequently, they must organize and pack the various cosmetics required for a particular job, into transportable containers. They must also organize and pack the requisite applicators into transportable containers.

There are many challenges encountered by professional makeup artists on job sites. For example, the spaces provided to them for their work are usually very small and cramped with minimal availability of work surfaces for laying out their cosmetics and applicators. Quite often, considerable time is wasted looking for a particular cosmetic container that is mixed in with a jumble of other cosmetic containers. Another problem is that a professional makeup artist must apply cosmetics to a number of performers and/or models, and it is essential in such situations, to maintain strict hygienic standards by having dedicated applicators separately stored for each individual. Yet another problem encountered by professional makeup artists when working onsite, is to work quickly and efficiently in using a number of different applicators when applying cosmetics to an individual. During such procedures on an individual, each applicator required must be kept close-at-hand and maintained in a hygienic condition when not in use.

SUMMARY

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to portable cosmetics cases that generally comprise two identical tray-shaped elongate containers hinged together along one of their elongate sides, for example in a clam-shell hinged arrangement. A plurality of rectangular plates for receiving and storing therein cosmetics applicators and/or cosmetics containers, are sized to fit within and to demountably engage each of the elongate tray-shaped containers. The rectangular plates may be configured to demountably receive and store a plurality of cosmetics applicators exemplified by brushes and sponge-tipped applicators. The rectangular plates may be provided with one or more pouches to receive and store a plurality of cosmetics containers. A foldable support plate may be provided for supporting a rectangular plate during use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closed portable cosmetics case according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary portable cosmetics case from FIG. 1, shown in an opened position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary portable cosmetics case from FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are a front view and a rear view, respectively, of an exemplary brushfolio plate;

FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are front views of exemplary alternative embodiments of brushfolio plates;

FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) are front views of exemplary alternative embodiments of plates with mesh compartments for storing cosmetics containers;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate with a plastic-lined storage pouch;

FIG. 8(A) is a front view of an exemplary back-plate that is foldable into a support for a brushfolio plate and/or cosmetics storage plates; FIG. 8(B) is a side view of the exemplary backplate folded into triangular support, and FIG. 8(C) is a side of a plate engaged to and supported by the folded backplate; and

FIG. 9(A) is a perspective view of an exemplary waist belt having a plurality of snaps near one end of the belt and a pair of elongate slots near the other end of the waist belt, FIG. 9(B) is a perspective view of an exemplary plate extending through one of the elongate slots in the waist belt in a folded position ready for engagement with an exemplary retaining panel, and

FIG. 9(C) is a perspective view showing the retaining panel engaged with the plate folded over the waist belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to handheld book-shaped portable cosmetics cases. The exemplary cosmetics cases generally comprise two identical tray-shaped elongate containers that are hinged together along one of their elongate sides in a clam-shell type of arrangement. A releasable closure mechanism is provided at least on the elongate sides of the tray-shaped elongate containers opposite their hinged elongate sides.

According to one aspect, the dimensions of the elongate tray-shaped containers are preferably sized so that the exemplary cosmetics cases can be easily carried in one hand, or alternatively tucked under an arm, or alternatively held by a strap attached to a corner of one of the elongate tray-shaped containers, or alternatively supported by a shoulder strap attached at each end to a corner of one of the elongate tray-shaped containers. Suitable surface dimensions for the elongate tray-shaped containers are for example, but not limited to, 13.5 cm×19 cm, 18 cm×23 cm, 21.5 cm×25.5 cm, 23 cm×30.5 cm, 25.5 cm×34.5 cm, 30.5 cm×38 cm, 34 cm×43.5 cm. Suitable depths for the sides of the elongate tray-shaped containers are, for example but not limited to, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 3.5 cm, 4 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm, 5.5 cm, 6 cm, 6.5 cm, 7 cm, 7.5 cm, 8 cm, and therebetween.

The elongate tray-shaped containers preferably comprise a durable rigid material exemplified by plastics, polycarbonates, sheet metal, wood, composites and the like. Alternatively, the elongate tray-shaped containers may be made with a semi-rigid material exemplified by thick sheets of cardboard encased in a plastic film, or alternatively leather, or alternatively a fabric, or alternatively a resilient polymeric material.

An exemplary portable cosmetics case 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1-3, wherein two identical tray-shaped elongate containers 12 are hingedly coupled along one of their elongate sides. Any suitable hinge apparatus may be used to hingedly couple each pair of tray-shaped elongate containers. It is preferable that a zipper 13 is provided along the three remaining sides of the pair of tray-shaped elongate containers 12 to ensure the portable cosmetics cases remain closed during transport. A carry strap 15 is attached to the tongue of the zipper 13. When required for use, the zipper 13 is unzipped and the two tray-shaped elongate containers 12 are opened in a similar fashion to opening a book. If so desired, other suitable devices may be provided for releasably engaging the two elongate sides of the tray-shaped containers opposite their hinged elongate ends. For example, straps and buckles, pairs of straps with faced with VELCRO® (VELCRO is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries B.V. Ltd., Curacao, Netherlands), clasps, key lock latches, combination lock latches, and the like.

According to another exemplary of the present disclosure, a plurality of rectangular plates for receiving and storing therein cosmetics applicators and/or cosmetics containers, are sized to fit within and to demountably engage each of the elongate tray-shaped containers. The rectangular plates may be configured to demountably receive and store a plurality of cosmetics applicators exemplified by brushes and sponge-tipped applicators, as illustrated by rectangular plates 20, 30, 40, 50 in FIGS. 2-5. These rectangular plates 20, 30, 40, 50, also referred to herein as “brushfolio plates”, generally comprise a rectangular flat surface 22, 32, 42, 52 with a foldable elongate edge 26, 36, 46, 56. Each of the foldable elongate edges 26, 36, 46, 56 is provided with a pair of snap fasteners 24 (not shown), 34, 44, 54 configured to demountably engage a matching pair of snap fasteners provided along an elongate edge of one of the tray-shaped containers. Additional pairs of snap fasteners may be provided long the inner sides of the tray-shaped containers. Each of the tray-shaped elongate containers 12 comprising the exemplary portable cosmetics case 10 shown in FIGS. 2-3, has a pair of snap fasteners along its elongate inner face and along its elongate hinged side, thereby enabling demountable engagement of four brushfolio plates. If it is desired to configure a portable cosmetics case disclosed herein, to demountably engage more than four brushfolio plates or other types of rectangular plates, then additional pairs of snap fasteners may be provided on the inner surface of the tray-shaped containers and/or along the elongate side opposite the hinged elongate side thereby providing snap fasteners for engaging up to four additional rectangular plates. The exemplary brushfolio plates 20, 30, 40, 50 shown in FIGS. 2-5 for demountably receiving and housing cosmetics applicators are provided with two spaced apart resilient strips of material 25, 38, 48, 58 that are fixed to the brushfolio plates 20, 30, 40, 50 at selected repeating spaced apart intervals for secure mounting and housing of applicator handles having different diameters.

According to another aspect, the rectangular plates may be provided with one or more pouches to receive and store a plurality of cosmetics containers. FIG. 6(A) illustrates an exemplary cosmetics storage plate 60 having a mesh pouch 62 with an elongate releasable resealable press-seal closure 68, It is optional if so desired, to use a zipper for opening and closing the pouch or alternatively VELCRO® tabs, and other such suitable closures. Cosmetics storage plate 60 has a foldable elongate edge 66 similarly provided with a pair of snap fasteners 64 for releasable engagement with a pair of snap fasteners provided along an elongate edge of one of the tray-shaped containers comprising an exemplary cosmetics case disclosed herein, or alternatively, with a pair of snap fasteners provided along an inner side of one of the tray-shaped containers comprising the exemplary cosmetics case. It is optional if so desired, for a cosmetics storage plate to have two or three or four discrete mesh pouches each having its own closure. An exemplary multi-pouched cosmetics storage plate 70 is shown in FIG. 6(B) having three mesh pouches 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, separated and accessible through elongate releasable resealable press-seal closures 78 a, 78 b. Cosmetics storage plate 70 has a foldable elongate edge 76 is provided with a pair of snap fasteners 74 for releasable engagement with a pair of snap fasteners provided along an elongate edge of one of the tray-shaped containers comprising an exemplary cosmetics case disclosed herein, or alternatively, with a pair of snap fasteners provided along an inner side of one of the tray-shaped containers comprising the exemplary cosmetics case.

Some of the cosmetics used by professional makeup artists have some degree of fluidity and, therefore, may leak or leach out of their containers if the containers are not tightly sealed. Accordingly, another other aspect of the present disclosure relates to cosmetics storage plates that have a leak-proof pouch engaged with one of their flat sides. An exemplary cosmetics storage plate 80 with a leak-proof pouch 82 is shown in FIG. 7. The leak-proof pouch is releasably sealable with a watertight zipper 88. However, it is within the scope of this disclosure the leak-proof pouches 88 to be releasably sealable with an elongate releasable resealable press-seal type of closure if so desired. Cosmetics storage plate 80 has a foldable elongate edge 86 similarly provided with a pair of snap fasteners 84 for releasable engagement with a pair of snap fasteners provided along an elongate edge of one of the tray-shaped containers comprising an exemplary cosmetics case disclosed herein, or alternatively, with a pair of snap fasteners provided along an inner side of one of the tray-shaped containers comprising the exemplary cosmetics case.

The exemplary brushfolio plates and the cosmetics storage plates of the present disclosure, are preferably constructed with a durable rigid material exemplified by plastics, polycarbonates, sheet metal, wood, composites and the like. Alternatively, the brushfolio plates may be made with a semi-rigid material exemplified by thick sheets of cardboard encased in a plastic film, or alternatively leather, or alternatively a fabric, or alternatively a resilient polymeric material.

A challenge commonly faced by professional makeup artists when working on a job site, is having their cosmetics applicators and cosmetics container close at hand and easily accessible while applying cosmetics to an individual. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a foldable support plate that has two or three or four elongate segments that are foldable into one or more of a V-shaped support or a triangular support. An exemplary foldable support plate 90 is illustrated in FIG. 8(A) and comprises four elongate sections 90 a, 90 b, 90 c, 90 d, and in this case, is foldable into an elongate triangular support as shown in FIG. 8(B). The foldable support 90 additionally comprises a foldable elongate edge 96 that is provided with a pair of snap fasteners 94 for releasable engagement with a pair of snap fasteners provided along an elongate edge of an exemplary brushfolio plate and/or an exemplary cosmetics storage plate for example as illustrated in FIG. 8(C) wherein a pair of snaps (not shown) along the elongate edge 36 of a brushfolio 30 is demountably engaged with a pair of snaps (not shown) along the elongate edge 96 of the foldable support plate 90.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a waist belt that is configured to demountably engage a brushfolio plate or a cosmetics storage plate approximate one or both ends of the waist belt. An exemplary waist belt 100 is shown in FIGS. 9(A)-9(C), and comprises a first end 102 having a buckle 103 and a second end 106 having a plurality of orifices for adjustably engaging the buckle 103. A waist band section 104 is interposed the first end 102 and the second end 106. At least one elongate slot 108 is provided in the waist band section 104 approximate the second end 106. It is optional if so desired, to provide a pair of elongate slots 108 as illustrated in FIG. 9(A). The foldable elongate edge 117 of a plate 115 is inserted through one of the elongate slots 108 and is folded over. A retainer tab 120 having a pair of snap fasteners 122 a are demountably engaged with the pair of snap fasteners 122 b provided on the folded elongate edge 117 thereby securing the plate 115 about the waist band section 104. A professional makeup artist may then place the waist belt 100 around their lower abdomen and secure it in place by engaging the buckle 103 at the first end 102 with one of the orifices about the second end 106. The position and accessibility of the secured plate 115 can be adjusted by moving the plate 115 backward and/or forward in the elongate slot 108. A plurality of snap fasteners 110 is provided approximate the first end and can be used for demountable engagement of another type of cosmetics case or holder (not shown). It is to be noted that it is optional to provide at least one elongate slot approximate the first end and the second end of the exemplary waist band, or alternatively a pair of elongate slots approximate both ends of the exemplary waist band. It is within the scope of the present disclosure to use alternative fastening closures for the exemplary waist belt described herein. For example, suitable are VELCRO® closures, slip rings, hook and grommets, and the like. 

1. A portable cosmetics case, comprising: a pair of elongate tray-shaped containers hingedly connected together at one end, wherein each of said pair of elongate tray-shaped containers comprises a flat surface with sides extending away from the periphery of the flat surface wherein the sides form a continuous rim around the periphery of the flat surface; a device for releasably engaging the elongate tray-shaped containers at an end opposite the hinged end; and a pair of snap fasteners engaged with the flat surface of each of said pair of elongate tray-shaped containers about one end of each of said pair of elongate tray-shaped containers.
 2. A portable cosmetics case according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the elongate tray-shaped containers additionally comprises a pair of snap fasteners engaged with an inner surface of one of the sides extending away from the flat surface.
 3. A portable cosmetics case according to claim 1, additionally comprising at least one rectangular plate having an elongate foldable end portion along one side of the rectangular plate, said elongate foldable end portion has a pair of snap fasteners configured for demountable engagement with at least one of the pairs of snap fasteners engaged with one of the elongate tray-shaped containers.
 4. A portable cosmetics case according to claim 3, wherein the rectangular plate is configured to demountably receive and house a plurality of cosmetics applications.
 5. A portable cosmetics case according to claim 3, wherein the rectangular plate has at least one pouch for demountably receiving therein one or more cosmetics containers.
 6. A portable cosmetics case according to claim 3, wherein the rectangular plate has at least two foldable sections for forming a support therewith.
 7. A portable cosmetics case according to claim 3, additionally comprising a waist belt configured for demountable engagement of at least one rectangular plate. 